Highlights

Beautiful and very original updated ‘III’
Documented mileage of under 76,000 miles
Huge investment of £24,000 since 2020
Large history file including original build records
Only four registered keepers
Very good example of these majestic cars
Sold with a fresh 12 months MOT

The Appeal

It is hard to introduce Rolls-Royce’s Silver Cloud III without reaching for the word ‘majestic.’ Particularly so in the case of this lovely 1963 model, which is finished in regal burgundy, the favourite shade of recent Regents.

The car's history is fascinating. It was ordered new by oil magnate Nubar Gulbenkian, who alongside his love of fossil fuels and socialising was a renowned orchid collector and Rolls-Royce enthusiast. He requested that the car be modified with a fold flat rear seat to increase luggage space and provide a suitable place for a nap during a long drive. This specialist work was done by factory agents Harold Radford & Co and is still fitted to the car.

Showing a documented 75,550 miles from new, amassed by a mere quartet of keepers, this car is a tempting blend of significant recent investment with neatly preserved originality. It retains a patina of personality that is key to its appeal.

The current keeper acquired the car in early 2020 and has lavished it with investment. The most significant bills exceed £24,000 covering servicing, water pump, electrics, gearbox service, fuel pump, panelwork, brake system, radiator, suspension and steering. There is even a bill for close to £1,000 to hand-craft the body-colour wheel trims.

The result is a beautiful example of a car that represents the pinnacle of coach-built Rolls-Royce workmanship. These final cars are very usable, and this one’s condition and colour scheme stand out. The car is sold with a fresh 12 months MOT.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 5th February 1963
Ordered new by Nubar Gulbenkian
First owner commissioned rare fold flat rear seat from Harold Radford & Co
Chassis number SCX381
Only four registered keepers, according to DVLA and the vendor
Current keeper since January 2020
Large history file dating back to 1971
Original factory build records
Factory handbook
Old MOTs
Huge recent expenditure exceeding £24,000 since 2020
Summary of work detailed below and shown in photos
Extensive history file of work including many invoices and receipts not shown
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last MOT expired 17th February 2016 with no advisories
74,543 miles showing on last MOT test and now on 75,550 miles
Car is sold with a fresh MOT with no advisories

Recent maintenance:

21/02/20: repairs to brake system totalling £4,357
June 2020: work to coolant system, servicing, fuel pump, gearbox oil, electrical work and water pump totalling £3,772
July 2020: panelwork repairs totalling £8,462
October 2020: wheel trims repaired £840
January 2021: radiator overhauled, suspension repairs and steering system repairs totalling £6,326

The Condition

Original burgundy paintwork similar to the shade favoured by the Royal family
Well-kept paintwork with recent fettling and only light signs of age
Bodywork presents well with recent repairs noted above and in photos
Chromework presents well including recently refurbished hub caps
Fitted with Nexen tyres which appear to be in good condition
Underside in good order with no reported issues by vendor
Smart London tan leather interior in good order with light patina and cracking
Well-kept interior with smart wood veneers and fittings including picnic tables
Retains its passenger headrest and original radio
Very rare factory-fitted folding rear seat
Slight wear notable to door carpet trims as shown

The third generation of the handsome Cloud added some aesthetic tweaks that make these ‘quad headlight’ models popular with collectors. This car’s burgundy finish would find favour with Royalty and is in very original condition with evidence of improvements to paintwork and bodywork in recent years.

Inside, the London tan leather cabin is similarly well kept with a light drizzle of patina to add age and character to this 61-year-old car. There are a couple of very minor points that the buyer may want to attend to. This car is fitted with the exceptionally rare folding rear seat, so fitted apparently to give the first owner more luggage space and the option of an in-car double bed!

The Mechanics

6,230cc hand-built V8 developing 230bhp
4spd automatic gearbox
Documented low mileage of 75,550 miles
Well-maintained car with history dating back to early days
Over £24,000 of mechanical investment since 2020
This work is documented above
No reported running or driving issues
Vendor states that the car drives superbly with excellent smooth gear changes and the brakes are excellent

These cars are well-named, the whisper-quiet, hand-crafted V8 delivering a near-silent and supremely comfortable motoring experience much like, we imagine, floating on a cloud.

Or certainly, good cars should. Thanks to over £24,000 invested in the mechanicals and running gear since 2020 certainly does. The work is detailed above and has comprehensively covered suspension, cooling system, brakes, steering, electrics and fuel system alongside regular servicing. The car has covered only 1,000 miles since that work.

This is a very tidy, reliable and usable low mileage example of the Silver Cloud III and looks ready to enjoy.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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